site.btaEcoravnovesie Municipal Enterprise in Sofia Reports Improved Living Conditions in Dog Shelters in 2024

The Ecoravnovesie Municipal Enterprise in Sofia Tuesday reported an improvement in the living conditions in the municipalities' animal shelters and veterinary clinic in 2024, adding however that the life in a cage cannot be completely fulfilling. In 2024, a number of actions were taken to restore the enterprise and to improve the conditions in which rescued animals live in Sofia, the Municipality said, adding that thanks to the urgent improvements, the Ecoravnovesie reported a 40% decrease in the number of dog deaths in 2024.

The management of the enterprise is planning an additional increase in the number of caretakers and veterinarians in 2025, for which a proposal has been submitted to the Sofia Municipal Council. Ecoravnovesie's report also notes the beginning of the transformation of the clinic in Vrabnica into a modern veterinary medical facility, for which there is already an architectural project.

Ekoravnovesie Municipal Enterprise Director Dimitar Dimitrov commented that life in a shelter is the only possible solution for some animals, while for others it is only a temporary solution, adding that Sofia Municipality offers shelter, food and care to the abandoned dogs they rescue from the street. "But the conditions we found in the shelters and the clinic were deplorable, so since the beginning of the term in office we have been doing everything possible step by step to improve the way animals are raised and treated," he underscored.

The report states some of the conditions found, including dangerous overcrowding, shortage of staff, and lack of overall vision for limiting the population of stray animals in Sofia. In 2024, Ecoravnovesie reports an increase in staff and a decrease in personnel turnover, with which the enterprise has provided better care for stray dogs, including on holidays and weekends. Now, the work process is better organized, especially in the separation of aggressive dogs, which also leads to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone, the report adds.